Detailed environmental and planning studies for the Port of Hastings container expansion will soon be underway with specialist consultants now appointed.
Minister for Ports David Hodgett announced the milestone after a six month procurement period to ensure the right contractors were on board to develop the business case, and complete detailed environmental studies over the next three to four years.
“ The appointment of the five specialist study consultants demonstrates the highly detailed and comprehensive approach the Port of Hastings Development Authority is undertaking with the planning of the container expansion, ” Mr Hodgett said.
“ The Port of Hastings container expansion is a priority for the Victorian Coalition Government and a project of national significance. A full assessment of the project in key areas such as port planning and design and environment will soon be underway to see this important development progressed.”
The specialist consultants selected are:
• Aecom + GHD Joint Venture – Port planning and engineering;
• Aecom + GHD Joint Venture – Environment and social;
• Haskoning Australia – Hydrodynamics and dredge material management;
• URS Australia – Risk management;
• KPMG – Commercial and economic;
• Corrs Chambers Westgarth – Legal services.
Member for Hastings Neale Burgess said this was a major milestone for the project and is great news for the region.
“ The Port of Hastings will provide direct and indirect employment opportunities for the surrounding area and wider southeast region both in the development stages and later when the port is operational.
“The expanded port will also stimulate investment in industry throughout the southeast of Victoria and provide substantial economic flow-on benefits for the rest of Victoria ,” Mr Burgess said.
Port of Hastings Development Authority CEO Mike Lean welcomed the appointments and said he is confident the Authority will be well advised and supported during feasibility planning over the coming years.
“ We have assembled an expert team of people and I am confident that exceptional results will be produced in the coming years.
“Each of our specialist consultants are highly regarded within their respective industries for their extensive experience and ability to provide high quality service, ” Mr Lean said.
The specialist consultants will commence work to plan for the next three years of studies which will aid the Authority in producing a business case and seeking the necessary state and federal planning approvals.
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Press Release, April 22, 2014